Finally dove the Northerner!

[Dean810]

Finally got on this wreck located off of Port Washington, Wisconsin. I have heard so much about it in the past, I had to see it for myself. This is a "pocket" schooner, 78' long, and is without a doubt, the most pristine 19th century wreck I have ever, and may ever, seen. The masts are collapsed, but that is about it. There is a figurehead under the bowsprit. It carried a cargo of cord wood when it went down, and it is still neatly packed in the holds. It's in a depth of about 130', and so is at the outer limits of my recreational range. It made for a short first dive, and an even shorter 2nd dive after a 2hr surface interval, but it was worth it. This is the type of wreck you hope to find in Lake Michigan. Oh, and almost forgot to mention, the viz was about 50'!

Dove with Electricbear on a Diver's Delight charter.

 

[Paco]

I've dived with Divers Delight many times, but not yet on the Northerner. I think Ralph, Dennis and Tracy are great and fun to dive with. Their boat is really, really fast, too. I'm glad you enjoyed your Port Washington trip. Nice town; I was born and raised there.

 

[Dean810]

Port Washington is a REAL nice town with a great marina. It still has that "undiscovered' look about it. Divers Delight is a "no frills" boat. It is better to get suited up on shore. It does not have a head. But it got me where I wanted to go and the price is the best you can find around here.

 

[Scubadude773]

Hi Guys,
I was with Dean on that trip And he is right, It is one of the nicest 19th century wreck I have seen in a long time. The guys at Diver's Delight were alot of fun to be out with. I can't wait to dive with them again on the same wreck.
Dive safe,
Robb

 

[SwimJim]

Hi Guys,
I was with Dean on that trip And he is right, It is one of the nicest 19th century wreck I have seen in a long time. The guys at Diver's Delight were alot of fun to be out with. I can't wait to dive with them again on the same wreck.
Dive safe,
Robb

Your right the Northerner is a great wreck. There are a couple other good ones in the area too. The Mahoning lies just inshore of the Northerner in about 55 fow. Its a fillet de Brig. Some of the equipment is still on that one. Hand carts, steam pump(just off the wreck) It also still has alot of dead eyes and other bits of rigging for those who look close enough.
The Niagara lies north of Port a few miles. A paddle wheel steamer. The engine is interesting to look at as well as the boilers which lie 300 feet off the main wreck. These can easily be accessed by following a line out to them. Take a wreck reel out and explore the debris trail. You find other hull sections south east and also south of the main wreck, not to mention other tid bits lying about.
Divers Delight goes to these out of Port Washington. They also do everything from the S.S. Wisconsin to the Frank O'conner, as long as its with in rec limits.

Jim

 

[Divin'Papaw]

Dean and Robb ... thanks for sharing. I'm really looking forward to my first foray into Great Lakes wrecking diving.

 

[do it easy]

Wow, I wish I could have been there! Sounds like it was a good day of diving. Thanks for the report.

 

[Divin'Papaw]

What about temperature at depth?

 

[moneysavr]

Dean
I am glad you made it out to the Northerner, as you see it takes some work to hook in as Ralph had his son hit the site prior to your groups drop,
It was nice that he let me a tag line to hit the water with you guys,looks like all had fun!
And see my Post "Northerner" in GLWC, I have a video clip,not the best but it gives you a idea of the wreck bow to stern,
Dive safe,
Brad

 

[do it easy]

You mean this thead? http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=151750

Thanks for the video! I'll have to add that to my list...